When it comes to design, the prototype now presented features a front marked by two large lighting modules and a small double kidney-shaped grille, joined by a more robust bumper and square wheel arches.
From the side, highlights include the exterior rearview mirrors replaced by cameras and a waistline that has been moved to the base of the doors, while the C-pillar maintains the classic Hofmeister kink.
At the rear, the taillights extend to the center providing a horizontal interpretation of BMW’s familiar L-shaped taillights. Their 3D-printed elements are individually controlled with variable light intensity to convey a particularly expressive depth effect.
The interior seems further from what the production model will be, however, it is worth noting the slightly elevated position of the driver’s seat to ensure a confident driving experience. In addition, the redesigned steering wheel with multifunction buttons, the central screen with a new design includes the new generation of the brand’s iDrive that will allow customization of the new BMW Panoramic Vision, along with the advanced voice control of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, serving as easy and intuitive interfaces for human-car interaction.
The BMW Panoramic Vision projects important information across the width of the windshield, and will be complemented in Neue Klasse production models by BMW 3D, an enhanced Head-Up Display.
BMW revealed that this cockpit concept was developed based on research conducted with thousands of drivers and analysis of data from over 10 million existing cars, in order to simplify interactions.
Although no data was revealed about the performance of the future 100% electric SUV, the Munich-based brand mentioned that new batteries composed of circular lithium-ion cells have a 20% higher density than the prismatic cells used previously, while the new 800V electrical architecture allows the batteries to charge up to 30% faster, meaning that in just 10 minutes of charging it will be possible to achieve a range of 300 km.
BMW stated that the sixth generation of the eDrive system will increase efficiency by up to 25% and range by up to 30%, which is attributed to the new electric motors and batteries, as well as the new wheel design and a braking system developed specifically for the Neue Klasse models.
BMW also revealed that the production version of the Neue Klasse X, which is expected to be the second generation of the iX3, will start production at the Debrecen factory in Hungary in 2025.
